The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdowns around the country played havoc with the real estate industry last year just like most other businesses. But 2021 is looking bright, according to Maria Quattrone, CEO and founder of Maria Quattrone and Associates at RE/MAX @ Home in Center City, Philadelphia.

"2021 opened the year of real estate like a lion," Quattrone said. "We have been busy since December 20, and usually that's the week of Christmas. People usually aren't focusing on housing. But we have seen houses that have been on the market for several months now, starting to sell."